Isoflavone intake and health

This section gives an overview of the known or suggested physiological effects of phytoestrogens as well as their relevance in pathologies affecting different human tissues and organs. Topics covered are  

Other chapters in this book cover some of these individual topics in more detail. 

However, the estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity of isoflavonoids could 

Observational studies have suggested possible favourable effects of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. Since elevated plasma cholesterol has been identified as the primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease, investigations have focused on the inverse association between plasma cholesterol concentration and soy protein consumption. The cholesterol-lowering properties of soy have been demonstrated, and a good correlation has been found in 

In addition to the effects on blood lipids, it has been suggested that soy consumption has a beneficial action on arterial function and improves antioxidant status (Lichtenstein, 1998 and refs therein). Genistein and daidzein were shown to have antioxidant properties in vitro (Kerry and Abbey, 1998), to enhance endothelium-dependent vasodilation and to reduce the development of atherosclerosis in monkeys (Honore et al, 1997 Wagner et al, 1997). 

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